Crowley 'excited' ahead of tour test
Canadian head coach Kieran Crowley has announced his squad ahead of their November internationals against Japan and Russia this November.
The North American side will take on Japan in two back-to-back internationals matches in Sendai and Tokyo on November 15 and 22 respectively before returning to Vancouver to face the Russians.
It will be the first time ever that the Eastern European nation and the Canadians face one another.
Naming a youthful squad, Crowley has included just eight overseas based players in his squad.
Looking ahead to the international series, Crowley says he is looking forward to taking on Japan, a team currently being coached by his former teammate John Kirwan.
"It is very exciting to play Japan as they are very close to us in the world rankings," said Crowley.
"It will be a really good test series.
"Japan played in the Pacific Cup competition and they had some good games there including against Tonga and Fiji.
"We will just be worrying about our game - getting it onto the table and bring what we bring to the game and worry about things we can control and the result takes care of itself after that."
Canada Squad for Japan and Russia tour:
Backs: Nick Blevins(Velox Valhallians/ Calgary ALB), Sean Duke (University of Victoria/Vancouver, BC), Matt Evans (Hartpury College, UK/Cowichan, BC), Ciaran Hearn (Castaway Wanderers/St. John's, NFLD), Nathan Hirayama (University of Victoria, Richmond, BC), Bryn Keys (Mosely/Abbotford BC), Phil Mack(University of Victoria /Victoria BC), Justin Mensah- Coker (Mosley/ Vancouver BC), Ander Monro (Castaway Wanderers/Victoria BC), James Pritchard (Bedford Blues/Sydney, Aus.), Michael Scholz (Oakville Crusaders/ Oakville ON), Sean White (JBAA/ Victoria BC) ,
Forwards: Aaron Carpenter (Coventry,Brantford, ON), Nanyak Dala (Castaway Wanderers/Regina,SK), Tom Dolezel( St Georges/London ON), Brian Erichsen (Meralomas/Vancouver BC), Tyler Hotson (Plymouth Albion/Vancouver, BC), Josh Jackson (Bordeaux/Fergus ON), Adam Kleeberger (Rotherham Titans/White Rock, BC), Mark MacSween (Balmy Beach/ Scarborough ON), Chauncey O'Toole (Castaway Wanderers/ Belle Isle,NB), Dan Pletch (Oakville Crusaders/Lucan, ON), Mike Pletch (Velox Valhallians/Lucan, ON), Pat Riordan (University of Victoria/Burnaby, BC, Captain), Kevin Tkachuk (Glasgow Warriors/Regina, SK), Doug Wooldridge(Cowichan/ Lindsay, ON).